Short answer: the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution is the newer model that replaces the SVS SB13-Ultra, but only the SVS SB13-Ultra has been measured and ranked so far, so this comparison is on specs and features rather than sound. The SVS SB13-Ultra is discontinued, so it is now a used buy.
The case for the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution: Sealed 17-inch high-excursion driver with dual 8-inch voice coils, driven by a 2,800W RMS dual-monoblock amplifier.
On the SVS SB13-Ultra side: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 99.5 dB at 20 Hz and 118.3 dB through 40-80 Hz.
Price: the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution lists at $2,699.99 and the SVS SB13-Ultra at $1,799.
Buy the SVS SB13-Ultra if you want a speaker whose sound quality has been measured and ranked.
Buy the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution if you want the newer model, and you can wait for measurements to confirm how it sounds.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution | SVS SB13-Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,699.99 | $1799 Discontinued |
| Ranked | - | #80 of 109 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | sealed |
| Drivers | 17” driver, dual 8” voice coils | 13.5” (343mm) driver |
| Amplifier Power | 2800W RMS | - |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz extension (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Cabinet Color | Piano Gloss Black, Black Oak Veneer | - |
| Country | United States | United States |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | - | 86.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | - | 91.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | - | 95.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | - | 99.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | - | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | - | 111.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | - | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | - | 117.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | - | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | - | 120.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | - | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | - | 119.9 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | - | 118.3 dB |
| Dimensions | - | 17.9”H x 17.4”W x 18.5”D (454.7 x 442.0 x 469.9 mm) |
| Weight | - | 91.9 lbs (41.7 kg) |
| Warranty | - | 5 |
| Measurement Source | - | Audioholics |
| Inputs | - | XLR (balanced), RCA (stereo) |
| XLR Input | - | Yes |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| USB Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Aux Input | - | No |
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution: $2,699.99 SVS eBay
Older models: the SVS SB16-Ultra (rated 4.1/5) and the SVS SB13-Ultra (rated 4.1/5).
Pros: Sealed 17-inch high-excursion driver with dual 8-inch voice coils, driven by a 2,800W RMS dual-monoblock amplifier. SVS rates extension to 15Hz. The SVS Subwoofer app adds DSP control and Auto EQ room calibration. It replaces the SB16-Ultra, whose ported sibling the PB17-Ultra R-Evolution has been measured and ranked.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its output can’t be compared with ranked subwoofers. A sealed flagship at this price gives up deep output against ported designs of the same size, so a large room may still call for two.
Full SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 2800W RMS |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | Piano Gloss Black, Black Oak Veneer |
| Country | United States |
| Drivers | 17” driver, dual 8” voice coils |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz extension (manufacturer specified) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SVS SB13-Ultra: $1799 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the SVS SB17-Ultra R-Evolution. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 99.5 dB at 20 Hz and 118.3 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 13.5” (343mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 454.7H x 442.0W x 469.9D mm cabinet and 41.7 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.
Full SVS SB13-Ultra review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.3 dB |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 17.9”H x 17.4”W x 18.5”D (454.7 x 442.0 x 469.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 13.5” (343mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced), RCA (stereo) |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Optical Input | No |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | 86.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 91.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 95.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 99.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 104.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 111.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 115.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 117.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 119.9 dB |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 5 |
| Weight | 91.9 lbs (41.7 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.